Harnessing Digital Technology for Better Health: Insights from the Healthylife Living Healthy Report 2025

As healthcare professionals committed to Lifestyle Medicine, you understand that nutrition, physical activity, mental wellbeing, and social connection are vital to improving health outcomes. The recently released Healthylife Living Healthy Report 2025, supported by the Woolworths Group, offers timely insights into how digital tools can help strengthen these pillars of health.

While we encourage you to read the full report, here are some key highlights:

Executive Summary

With nearly 95% of Australians using the internet and spending over six hours online each day, our digital environment now plays a critical role in shaping health behaviours. The report calls for a collaborative, ecosystem-based approach, bringing together the commercial, government and not-for-profit sectors – to create digital tools that support healthy living across the population.

Key Findings

1. Digital Engagement & Activity
   Australians aged 16-64 spend an average of 6 hours and 14 minutes online each day. Despite this, physical activity levels remain below national guidelines, even though 56% of people use fitness or health tracking devices.
2. Sleep Health
   Sleep emerged as a top health priority, with 44% of respondents rating it as critical to wellbeing. Blue light from screens and artificial lighting were cited as key disruptors.
3. Health Information Seeking
   Thirty-two percent of Australians turn to online articles for health advice, and 21% access information via health professionals on social media, highlighting both opportunity and risk in digital communication.
4. Digital Retail & Health
   Weekly visits to Woolworths Group’s digital platforms now exceed in-store visits. This shift offers new opportunities to promote healthier purchasing habits.

Digital Tools Supporting Healthy Living

The report highlights several innovative tools already making an impact:

• Food Tracker by Healthylife
  This tool helps users compare their grocery purchases against the Australian Dietary Guidelines. During a recent national Fruit & Veg Challenge, participants increased their fruit and vegetable purchases by 10% when incentives were offered, demonstrating the power of digital nudges.
• A Healthier Basket Can Be Cheaper
  Importantly, the report finds that a healthy food shop aligned with the Australian Dietary Guidelines can be 8% cheaper than the average grocery basket, challenging common perceptions about affordability.
• Woolworths Fresh Food Kids e-Discovery Tours
  Delivered through virtual and augmented reality, this program educates children about food origins and healthy choices.
• Mayi Market
  A digital not-for-profit initiative that improves access to affordable, healthy food in remote Far North Queensland communities.

The Role of Social Media

Social media offers a platform to share recipes and health content, but also exposes users to unhealthy food advertising and misinformation. The report urges health professionals and institutions to proactively use these platforms to support accurate health messaging and connection, particularly to address isolation and loneliness.

Telehealth & AI in Healthcare

• Telehealth continues to reduce access barriers for remote and underserved communities, enhancing both care and emotional wellbeing.
• Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a powerful clinical tool, from diagnostic support to virtual companionship for vulnerable groups.

Next Steps: What the Advisory Board Recommends

• Promote evidence-based health information and combat misinformation.
• Introduce guardrails and regulations for responsible digital tool use.
• Improve digital literacy and access, especially in disadvantaged communities.

Conclusion

The Healthylife Living Healthy Report 2025 reinforces the role of digital technology in promoting behaviour change, improving food environments, and supporting equity in access to health.

As healthcare professionals, you are key to guiding patients through this evolving digital health landscape, helping them make the most of tools that are practical, accessible, and grounded in evidence.